Scarsdale Vets December 2017 farm news

Dealing with Down Cows Emily Sycamore BVetMed MRCVS

It’s always worrying when and transition period (preferably), and/or by Animals are eligible for on-farm slaughter if a cow goes down, but pre-emptive treatment with calcium boluses or they meet certain criteria – e.g. that they have what exactly is the best injection for high risk cows at calving. suffered an accident, the ‘accident’ is not a thing to do in this situation Whatever the reason the cow goes down in the chronic condition, they are free from medicine and what are her chances first place, secondary muscle and nerve damage withdrawals, they are otherwise fit and well and (‘downer cow syndrome’) soon sets in. Recent are showing no evidence of systemic disease, of getting up again? research has shown that around 84% of down are in a state of reasonable cleanliness and that What are the main causes of cows end up having some degree of secondary they have two ear tags and a passport. If an damage, and only 14% of these animals make animal does not fit the criteria for a certificate, down cows? it back to their feet again. In contrast, 54% of the vet will be unable to issue one. If an animal cows with no secondary damage recover. The main reasons we see for cows going down has been down for too long, it may well be are post-calving nerve damage, back injuries What to do when the cow condemned at the slaughter house due to and milk fever. If these issues can be prevented extensive muscle damage. then the risks of the cow going down in the first goes down place are greatly reduced. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be immensely The quicker the cow is identified as ‘down’ useful in providing pain relief for the down cow, and treatment is commenced, the less chance Post-calving nerve damage often happens when and will help give her the best possible chance a cow calves a calf too large for her pelvis, and there is of secondary damage occurring and the better the odds of her recovery. High quality of getting up. Products containing ketoprofen the nerves around the birth canal become often have a 24-hour meat withdrawal period swollen or damaged. Preventing excessive nursing care and good welfare is essential – and it can be a good idea to administer these pressure being put on a calf during calving can this involves ensuring that the cow is on a deep, not only help to minimise this risk, but will also clean, soft bed (preferably straw), has access to if you are not sure whether the cow will get reduce the risk of tearing the cow – remember, food and water (within her reach), is regularly up but want to give her a chance – she can a good caesarean is much better for the cow (i.e. every 4-6 hours) turned from one side to still be slaughtered the next day if she doesn’t than a bad calving! the other, and is only lifted through safe and respond. If you’re not sure of the diagnosis, effective means. though, always call the vet – no amount of Back injuries (either from bulls or from other anti-inflammatory drugs will fix a broken leg or cows mounting) often happen during bulling. If an animal is down due to injury, on-site Providing a good, slip-free surface to all walking casualty slaughter for human consumption may replace a dislocated hip! be an option. A vet needs to certify that the and loafing areas for cows is essential to help to If you have any queries about a down cow or prevent this. animal is fit for human consumption, and the Food Standards Agency specify that the on-farm slaughter certificates, please call us Milk fever incidence can be much reduced certifying vet must be present at the time us on 01332 294929 to have a chat with one through dietary management during the dry of slaughter. of our vets.

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Contact us: FARM & EQUINE CENTRE Lane, Markeaton, DE22 4NH Tel: (01332) 294929 MAIN HOSPITAL Pride Veterinary Centre, Riverside Road, Derby DE24 8HX Tel: (01332) 678333 PARK FARM Park Farm Centre, , Derby DE22 2QQ Tel: (01332) 554422 DUFFIELD 15 Town Street, Duffield Upping the game on routine Derby DE56 4EH Tel: (01332) 841700 pain relief 3 Vicarage Road, Mickleover, Emily Sycamore BVetMed MRCVS Derby DE3 0EA Tel: (01332) 518585 Recently you may have ten years. This is partially due to perceptions of pain seen articles in the farming severity (related to procedures such as disbudding and HILTON castration) increasing, and partially due to the cost 6 Witham Close press encouraging the use of analgesia being found to be within an acceptable Egginton Road, Hilton of anti-inflammatory range for farmers. Derby DE65 5JR drugs as pain relievers for There are a number of benefits to be gained from Tel: (01283) 732999 using anti-inflammatory drugs when castrating or procedures such as castration and disbudding. These benefits include improved welfare OAKWOOD disbudding in calves. and smaller checks in growth rates after the procedure Unit 9, Oakwood District (growth rate checks are often associated with pain, Centre, Oakwood, This is something that, as a practice, Scarsdale Vets which in turn is associated with decreased feed intake). Derby DE21 2HT would strongly advocate. The campaign is supported Tel: (01332) 666500 by BCVA (British Cattle Veterinary Association) There are a number of different anti-inflammatory amongst other organisations. drugs available for use in calves, with different products having different lengths of activity and different 247 Road, Recent research by the University of has withdrawal periods. All anti-inflammatory drugs Shelton Lock shown that both vets’ and farmers’ willingness to provide pain relief, will reduce inflammation and will Derby DE24 9EG use anti-inflammatories has increased over the past help to bring down a high temperature. Tel: (01332) 700321 SCARSDALE VETS STAPENHILL Hello and goodbye to Emily… 90 Spring Terrace Road Many of you will know that Emily Sycamore will be off on Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent maternity leave from the beginning of December. We wish her DE15 9DX all the very best for her impending arrival. Tel: (01283) 568162 Emily Payne is providing maternity cover. We kept it easy for you by SCARSDALE VETS STRETTON making sure we employed someone with the same name! ‘New’ Emily 36 The Green, Stretton, introduces herself below. Burton-on-Trent DE13 0EQ Hi all! Tel: (01283) 565333 I have been working in Shropshire for four years since graduation from the University of Nottingham and have now moved to Scarsdale Vets to cover [email protected] maternity for other Emily (not to be referred to as old Emily!). My interests Please note that telephone calls inside of work lie in calf health and flock health planning. Outside of work, are recorded for quality and I enjoy walking my dog Magnus and can’t wait to explore the monitoring purposes. countryside. I look forward to meeting and working with you all.